The Snow Festival puts Kiruna on the world map – with LKAB as an enabler
As the winter darkness falls over Kiruna after the Christmas holidays, the city transforms into a place for creativity, play and international exchange. Since 1999, the Snow Festival has attracted tourists and artists from all over the world, an example of where the unique conditions of the place are used to the fullest, with support from several actors, including LKAB.
What makes the Snow Festival special is the combination of art, play and location. This year, artists from Sweden, Finland, Spain and England are participating, and the selection is made by a jury that ensures variety and quality. Robert Gustafsson, project manager for the Snow Festival, explains that interest in the festival is increasing every year.
“Last year, there was a huge difference in audience interest. There were more than a thousand people who followed the event’s activities, from dog sledding to the snow sculptures that adorn the area.”
“It’s about combining the unique conditions of the location with international artistic competence and local commitment”, explains Robert Gustafsson.
Previously, the festival was organised by Tusen Toner and then it was taken over by Kiruna Lapland, because of the festivals great significance for tourism and Kiruna’s identity as a winter town.
“I think the Snow Festival means more than the locals think. Regardless of whether you are young or old, there is something happening at this time of year, but also that it’s free for everyone to enjoy.”
The fact that it is free for visitors is something that Robert emphasises:
“Kiruna Lapland is an economic association and member organisation. We do not have our own resources for this. Our enablers, such as LKAB, are super important for it to work.”
The Snow Festival does not stand alone as an event, but collaborates with Icehotel, Nutti Sami Siida, several different associations, the cultural school as well as high school students who get to participate in the design process.
“The Snow Festival is unique to Kiruna. It’s an annual event with mixed activities for young and old, in the heart of Kiruna. One of the main features, the snow sculpture competition, also attracts the world’s leading snow sculptors to Kiruna. Of course we want to support this”, says Johanna Fogman, responsible for events and sponsorship at LKAB.
